INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – As the world gears up to celebrate May Day on May 1, 2025, workers across the United States are positioning their protests against the Trump administration’s ongoing attacks on labor rights. This year’s May Day demonstrations will seek to rally support for political resistance, as the organized labor movement aims to unite in the face of rising inequalities and assaults on workers’ rights.
May Day has a rich history rooted in the campaign for the eight-hour workday in the late 19th century. The day is a memorial and a call to action, stemming from the labor struggles that have shaped the rights workers experience today. “Workers have fought tirelessly for basic rights, including the eight-hour workday. We must remember their struggle and rise to the occasion once more,” said union representative Mary Adebola.
With President Trump’s administration limiting the right to protest and undermining labor unions, unions like the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) are mobilizing rallies across the country. Workers aim to leverage May Day 2025 as a springboard for broader political engagement against authoritarian measures. “The working class must rise against the billionaire class that seeks to divide us. United, we can stop this oppressive regime!” said labor activist Chike Omoregie.
The history of May Day in the U.S. traces back to the 1886 labor strikes advocating for the eight-hour workday, which faced severe backlash from powerful industrialists and law enforcement. The Haymarket Affair remains a poignant reminder of this resistance, highlighting the violent repression labor leaders confronted. Today, while the historical significance of May Day continues to inspire activists, its observance remains overshadowed by Labor Day, established by President Grover Cleveland to divert attention from the working-class struggle.
“May Day is not just about celebrating gains; it’s a call to arms against growing inequality,” stressed Omoregie. The U.S. labor movement’s decline during the late 20th century has shifted tactics from strikes toward negotiations with management, much to the dismay of many activists who prefer more militant approaches. “We need a shift back to direct action, as organizing strikes remains one of our most potent tools in advocating for working-class rights,” he expressed.
The importance of solidarity with marginalized groups, including immigrant and trans workers, is crucial. As Trump’s administration scapegoats these communities, labor organizers stress the need for a united front. “All workers, regardless of status or identity, must stand together. We cannot afford to let the ruling class pit us against one another,” warned Adebola.
On May Day, the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance (IUYA) will hold an “Unwavering Resilience” artist market, showcasing the work of local artists and supporting immigrant rights. “Through celebration and solidarity, we’ll show that our strength lies in our community,” said IUYA treasurer Kayla Bledsoe.
The upcoming protests are a response to an established pattern of legislative hostility toward labor. From the irreversible damage caused by neoliberal policies to the anti-immigrant rhetoric propagated by the Trump administration, workers are mobilizing to advocate for comprehensive reforms. As Bledsoe remarked, “We want to uplift and showcase the incredible resilience within our communities. Our fight encompasses workers’ rights, immigrant rights, and dignified living standards for all.”
May Day 2025 stands as an urgent reminder of the need to reclaim the spirit of collective action and solidarity. Organizers across the nation call on workers to join in protests, strikes, and other forms of resistance to signify that the fight against oppression will not relent. “May Day is the time to remind the world that we still have a voice and we will not be silenced,” concluded Omoregie.
